Minutes of Community Board 11’s General Meeting
Held on April 22, 2004 at the
Sephardic Home, 2266 Cropsey Avenue.

Table of Content
Public Portion	District Manager's Report
Minutes	New Business
Chairman's Report	Attendance
Councilman Recchia
Councilman Vincent Gentile
Nominating Committee

William R. Guarinello, Chairman of Community Board 11 called the meeting to order.

Public Portion

Betty Bonura, who resides on 63^rd Street between 15^th Avenue and 16^th Avenue addressed the Board regarding the 15^th Avenue Bridge Project.  Ms. Bonura stated that due to the project, 63rd Street has transformed into   a two-way street with parking removed on one side of the street.  The block is primarily commercial and there are tractor trailers making deliveries causing congestion.  Ms. Bonura requested that the Department of Transportation review the situation.

Susan Levine, representing Elderplan, advised that there is a program called Member to Member.  The program is for people 65 years and over, and is open to anyone who wants to be helpful to others and receive assistance in return.  The participants help each other with shopping, driving, friendly visits, minor home repair.  Ms. Levine advised the program is in need of volunteers and urged those present to take literature.

Ken Lazar, representing the Department of Buildings, advised his agency will be sponsoring an open house for Brooklyn property owners on Saturday, April 24^th from 9 AM to 1 PM at 210 Joralemon Street.  The purpose of this open house is to assist property owners with any issues they have within the Buildings Department.

The Chairman inquired if anyone else from the Public sought recognition.  Hearing none, a motion was made by Stan Roher to close the Public Portion of the meeting.  Seconded by Billy Cerbelli.  Unanimously adopted.   

Minutes

A motion was made by Louisa Verito to adopt the minutes of the March 11, 2004 with an amendment to reflect Little Cannon’s presence.  Seconded by Ella Nigro.  Unanimously adopted. 

Chairman’s Report

Mr. Guarinello advised that Deputy Inspector Donald Consecaio, of the 62^nd Precinct, was re-assigned, which is customary after a promotion.  The Chairman introduced the new commanding officer of the 62^nd Precinct, Captain Frank Cangiarella, Jr.  The Captain was born and raised in our community.

Captain Cangiarella, advised that he is very familiar with our neighborhood and the resident’s concerns.  He will be working closely with the community, and will maintain the relationship that Deputy Inspector Conceicao formed.  The Captain introduced newly assigned Executive Officer of the 62^nd Precinct, Captain James Robertson; Special Operations Lieutenant Mike Giovanelli, and urged the community to contact them with any issues.

Mr. Guarinello addressed the issue of the rehabilitation of the 15^th Avenue Bridge, which was raised during the public portion of the meeting.  The Chairman advised that Community Board 11 is advisory in nature and instructed the District Manager to schedule a meeting with the Department of Bridges. 

The Chairman introduced new board members Ross Brady, Maria Campanella, Michael Ferrier, Angel Geraldi, Peter Mugavero, Frank Naccarato, Gina Romano, and Tony Troia.  Mr. Guarinello extended his condolences to Mr. Troia, who is not present, due to the death of his brother Vito.

Mr. Guarinello thanked the following board members for their service, who either did not seek re-appointment or who were not re-appointed:  Concetta Miele, Patricia Monachino, Joe Pipitone, Sam Levine, and Daniel Luu.

The Chairman appointed Gina Romano as Chair of the Parks Committee to fill Patricia Monachino’s vacancy.

Mr. Guarinello advised that board member Daniel Luu has relocated to San Francisco without tendering his resignation.  In order for the Borough President to fill his vacancy, a telephone vote was taken on April 12^th, with a majority in favor of his removal from Community Board 11.

Councilman Recchia

Councilman Domenic M. Recchia Jr. congratulated the newly appointed Board Members, as well as Captain Cangiarella.

The Councilman discussed the problems associated with city traffic agents issuing summonses.  The Councilman called upon the Mayor to apologize to the family of a man who suffered a fatal heart attack after receiving a parking ticket on 20^th Avenue.  The family states that the traffic agent drove away and did not attempt to help the man that was in distress.  Councilman Recchia called upon traffic agents to be more courteous and build a better relationship with the community they patrol.   

Councilman Vincent Gentile

Councilman Gentile congratulated the re-appointed and newly appointed members of Community Board 11. 

Councilman Gentile advised that last Saturday, Bay 7th Street, between Bath Avenue and Benson Avenue, was renamed in honor of Andrew and Vincent Abbate.  The Abbate brothers were employees of Cantor Fitzgerald and lost their lives on September 11^th.

The Councilman thanked Dorothy Garuccio of his staff for her hard work in coordinating the co-naming and ceremony.

Councilman Gentile reported that he has re-introduced a Bill to the City Council that would eliminate all Sunday meters in the City of New York.  He will keep the Board updated on the legislation.

 Nominating Committee

The Chairman appointed the following members to serve on the 2004/2005 Nominating Committee: 

                                                   Richard DiNapoli – Chairman
                                                   Bart Allegretti
                                                   Al Campanelli
                                                   Dr. Joe Caruana
                                                   Joe DiSanto 

District Manager’s Report

Mr. Howard Feuer reported that a Press Release was received from the Department of Transportation on April 16^th advising that during the demolition phase of the existing 15^th Avenue Bridge, Transit has decided to temporarily close the entrance of the New Utrecht Avenue subway station at 15^th Avenue effective April 20^th.  The closure was scheduled for 6 AM , Tuesday, April 20^th, and is scheduled to re-open at 11 PM on May 31^st. 

The District Manager contacted the Borough Commissioner to question the closure because Community Board 11 was assured during the design phase that there would be no closures.  Unfortunately, no answers were given due to the fact that the Borough Commissioner was unaware of the situation.

Mr. Feuer advised the Board that the Department of Design and Construction will be replacing a 10 inch sanitary sewer on 86^th Street between Bay Parkway and Bay 31^st Street, and Bay 35^st Street  and 24^th Avenue.  In addition, a 12 inch sanitary sewer will be replaced on 86^th Street between 24^th Avenue and Bay 41^st Street.  On behalf of the Board, a request was made that this project be constructed during evening hours.  A meeting is scheduled next week with the Department of Design and Construction.

Notification has been received that Avenue U will be resurfaced from McDonald Avenue to 86^th Street.  We have requested that this work be done during evening hours.

The Department of Consumer Affairs has notified Community Board 11 that a Public Hearing will be held on the petition submitted by Tasty P & P Inc, located at 1707 86^th Street, for a sidewalk café which consists of 11 tables and 21 seats.  The hearing is scheduled for May 4^th.

Mr. Feuer advised that a proposal has been received from an area resident to construct a playground for dogs in Bensonhurst Park.  The proposed size is 50 feet by 130 feet.  The proposal has been referred to the Parks Committee for review.

Mr. Feuer reported that he had a meeting today regarding the Marine Transfer Station at the Southwest Incinerator.  There will be public discussion and updates will be provided.

Mr. Feuer advised that Councilman Recchia held a street renaming ceremony on West 13 Street and Avenue T, in honor of Laura Gilly, an employee of Cantor Fitzgerald, who died on September 11^th.

The following areas are scheduled to be milled and resurfaced the week of April 25^th:  Bay Ridge Avenue between 14^th Avenue and Bay Parkway, 16^th Avenue between Dahill Road to 61 Street, 16 Avenue between 72 Street and 61 Street, and 20^th Avenue from Shore Parkway to Fort Hamilton Parkway.  Mr. Feuer thanked the Councilmen for the funding.

Mr. Feuer reported that the City Council has approved the renaming of Cropsey Avenue between 18^th Avenue and 19^th Avenue, in honor of Victor V. Allegretti.  In addition, Parks Commissioner Benepe has approved the naming of the ball field at 17^th Avenue and Shore Parkway, in honor of Victor V. Allegretti.

New Business

Anthony Neglia advised that on Sunday, June 13^th , the 86^th Street Board of Trade will be holding a street fair.

Louisa Verito inquired to the legality of a triple x rated video store in a residential district.  Mr. Guarinello advised that this matter is being addressed.

A motion was made by Don Clark to adjourn.  Seconded by Man Wai Lau.  Unanimously adopted.